Smart #1 vs Mini Hatch: Running Costs UK 2026
Last updated: July 2026 · Based on current UK fuel prices
Running a Smart #1 in the UK costs approximately 7.5p per mile on home electricity, compared to 17.4p per mile for the Mini Hatch on petrol. At 10,000 miles per year with 80% home charging, the Smart #1 saves approximately £697 per year in fuel costs — breaking even on the higher purchase price in around 17.2 years.
At 10,000 miles/yr · 80% home charging
+£697/yr
The Smart #1 saves you approximately £697 per year in fuel costs.
Break-even on the higher purchase price: ~17.2 years
Mini Hatch fuel cost
17.4p/mile
40 MPG · 153.5p/litre
Smart #1 (home tariff)
7.5p/mile
3.5 mi/kWh · 26.1p/kWh
Annual fuel cost comparison
The table below uses real-world efficiency figures for both vehicles and current UK fuel prices. EV costs assume 80% home charging (26.1p/kWh) and 20% public rapid charging (79p/kWh).
| Miles/yr | Mini Hatch | Smart #1 | EV saves |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8,000 | £1,396 | £838 | +£557 |
| 10,000(avg) | £1,745 | £1,048 | +£697 |
| 12,000 | £2,093 | £1,258 | +£836 |
| 15,000 | £2,617 | £1,572 | +£1,045 |
| 20,000 | £3,489 | £2,096 | +£1,393 |
Petrol: 153.5p/litre · Home electricity: 26.1p/kWh · Public rapid: 79p/kWh
Smart #1 cost by charging scenario
Charging behaviour has more impact on EV running costs than almost any other variable. Here's how the Smart #1 compares at 10,000 miles per year across four scenarios:
Overnight EV tariff
£200/yr · 2.0p/mile
Standard home (80% home)
£1,048/yr · 10.5p/mile
Mixed (50% home)
£1,501/yr · 15.0p/mile
Public charging only
£2,257/yr · 22.6p/mile
Saving vs Mini Hatch at 10,000 mi/yr and 153.5p/litre.
Key specs
Smart #1
Pro+
Mini Hatch
Cooper
Get a personalised result for your actual mileage
The figures above use national average fuel prices. Enter your postcode to get live local prices, or adjust the MPG and efficiency for your specific trim level.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a Smart #1 cost to run per mile in the UK?
At a standard UK home electricity rate of 26.1p/kWh (the Ofgem price cap unit rate for July–September 2026) and a real-world efficiency of 3.5 miles/kWh, the Smart #1 costs approximately 7.5p per mile when charging at home. On a dedicated overnight EV tariff (around 7p/kWh) this falls to just 2.0p per mile. Relying entirely on public rapid charging — which averaged 79p/kWh in mid-2026 — raises the cost to 22.6p per mile.
Is the Smart #1 cheaper to run than the Mini Hatch?
Yes, for most UK drivers who can charge at home. The Mini Hatch costs approximately 17.4p per mile in petrol at current UK prices. At home on a standard tariff, the Smart #1 costs 7.5p per mile — a saving of 10.0p per mile. At 10,000 miles per year with 80% home charging, the Smart #1 saves around £697 per year in fuel costs.
How long to break even switching from a Mini Hatch to a Smart #1?
Based on an estimated price premium of £12,000 for the Smart #1 over the Mini Hatch, and annual fuel savings of approximately £697 at 10,000 miles per year (80% home charging), the break-even point is around 17.2 years. Drivers covering more miles will reach break-even sooner — at 15,000 miles per year the saving is proportionally larger.
What if I can't charge the Smart #1 at home?
Without home charging, the economics change significantly. Relying on public rapid charging — which averaged 79p/kWh in mid-2026, up sharply from a couple of years ago — puts the Smart #1 at 22.6p per mile — higher than the Mini Hatch at 17.4p per mile. EV running cost savings are almost entirely dependent on home charging access. Drivers without off-street parking should factor this in carefully.